C30 CHAPTER30

Sarah was seething with anger. What on earth was going on with the Third Prince? Why was he so hopelessly negative?

"I'm convinced we won't escape. None of our plans will succeed," Devon declared, settling into his regal seat.

"Why are you like this, Third Prince Devon? Why bother coming to us if you were just going to bring us down?" she demanded, her hands trembling with rage. Flames began to dance from her clenched fists, prompting the others to retreat, well aware of her fiery capabilities when angered.

Devon rose swiftly. "Sarah, there's no need for anger, alright? Pessimism is in my nature; I struggle to find a silver lining in dire situations," he reasoned. "Let's take a step back and work through this together."

As the fiery orbs dissipated, Sarah's expression softened.

"So, what's our next move?" she inquired.

"The issue isn't solely my brother, Second Prince Alexander. There's more at play," Devon attempted to clarify.

"And what might those be?" Zane interjected, eyeing the Third Prince with suspicion.

"Each tunnel is manned by two guards, so we need a strategy to overpower them before we can make our escape," Devon stated confidently. "Bear in mind, these aren't your average foes; they're magical entities, immune to conventional combat."

"Wow, that's a lot to take in," Lucas remarked, with a chorus of murmurs echoing his sentiment.

"I'm the least formidable of my father's three sons, being a hybrid devil with minimal Devil Energy. Yet, I possess enough power to summon him," Devon said, gesturing toward Hector. "Considering that, imagine the strength of a purebred devil."

"Third Prince, I get that you're bracing us for the worst, but you've got to be on board with our plan of action," Lucas pointed out.

"I'm with Lucas," Seymour chimed in. "We should start by reconnoitering the underground tunnels, then devise a plan to take down the guards."

"Sure, but just remember, that's not our primary concern at the moment," Devon asserted.

“What do you mean by that? What’s the most important thing?” Sarah inquired, giving him a questioning look.

“The most important thing is that you all utilize my power as the Third Prince. I have more than enough power for our mission,” Devon declared with a hint of pride.

The rest of the team gave him incredulous looks, as if questioning his sanity. What power was he even referring to?

“Exactly what power are we talking about here, Third Prince?” Seymour asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“I have my doubts about you having any real power, Third Prince. No offense, but if you were truly powerful, you wouldn’t need a Zombie for protection,” Zane remarked, nodding towards Hector.

“I’m aware that my power alone isn’t sufficient, which is precisely why I intend to harness magic. I’ll master enough to ensure our escape,” Devon reassured them confidently.

Sarah gaped at him. “You’re planning to learn magic? And who, pray tell, will be your teacher?” she questioned.

“You, naturally. I’ve witnessed your abilities and have chosen you as my mentor,” Devon replied.

“No way! Absolutely not!” Lucas protested vehemently.

“That’s never going to happen!” Zane chimed in, equally adamant.

Devon regarded them with a mix of disappointment and understanding. Their distrust was palpable, and he realized the gravity of asking their leader to teach him magic. He admitted to himself that he would likely react the same in their position.

Sarah swiftly silenced Lucas and Zane. “It might be wise for you two to hold your tongues and let me handle the decision-making,” she chided. Turning back to Devon, she continued, “Third Prince, if you’re truly committed to this, then I will honor your request.”

Devon eyed her warily, taken aback by her immediate acquiescence to instruct him in the magical arts.

“Why that look of suspicion, Third Prince?” Sarah inquired.

“I can’t shake the feeling that you have a hidden agenda, Sarah. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have agreed so quickly to teach me,” Devon confessed.

Sarah’s expression conveyed her growing exasperation. “I’m taken aback by your accusation, Third Prince Devon. Believe me, my agreement stems from a desire to move us forward. I harbor no hidden motives,” she asserted, her patience with the Third Prince wearing thin.

"Alright, when do we start? We're short on time, remember?" Devon said, scanning the room.

"We could begin right now," Devon suggested, and Sarah nodded in agreement. "Should we do it here?" she inquired.

"No, I'd rather not have any magical mishaps in my study. You work with fire, and that's unpredictable. It would devastate my father if any of these books were damaged," Devon explained. "There's a spacious room where I train in martial arts... let's head there. It's suitable for whatever we need to do," he directed them.

Everyone agreed and they promptly followed him. Devon led them to his training room with as much stealth as he could muster.

Practicing jutsu and taekwondo in his dojo was one of Devon's favorite pastimes as a prince. The experience was at once enlightening and demanding, thrilling yet humbling. It provided him with a sense of purpose he had always craved.

This was his sanctuary, and now he had to share it with others.